Here at Garden State Music Center, we aim to provide an all-in-one location for your musical and instrument needs, from convenient and affordable instrument rentals to music lessons for all ages and skill levels. Our Toms River, NJ, music store stocks new and used band and string instruments for sales or rentals, both through our school rental program and for individual use.

You will also find a wide selection of quality guitars, amps, drums, and musical accessories for sale at our location. We are proud to have built a reputation since 1982 of providing our communities with all the supplies and services to help grow or ignite their passion for music.

Update Share

Retail Report

From guitars to new and used band instruments, keyboards, and more, Garden State Music Center aims to provide our customers with the instruments, parts, and accessories to help them learn and explore the magic of music. Our staff is both highly experienced and knowledgeable of all the types of instruments and brands we carry at our showroom, and are truly passionate about music themselves.

Instrument Rentals Report

Whether you are preparing your student for band season or you are interested in trying your hand at learning an instrument, let Garden State Music Center provide you with flexible and affordable instrument rentals! We offer a variety of rental options for both new and continuing musicians of all ages, featuring quality name brand instruments and short-term rentals with no sign up or registration fees. You can also pair your rental with our convenient month-to-month in-store or virtual music lessons with one of our talented teachers.

Music Lessons Report

Whether you are a beginner or an advanced musician, Garden State Music Center and our staff of knowledgeable and friendly music teachers, offer a wide variety of instructional music lessons, ranging from private, one-on-one instruction at our location to online virtual makeup lessons. We cater to children and adults of all skill levels and offer lessons for all types of instruments, including piano, guitar, bass, drums, cello, violin, upright bass, viola, oboe, saxophone, trumpet, clarinet, vocal, ukulele, trombone, flute, and many more.

In-House Repairs Report

Is your instrument in need of professional repairs? Garden State Music Center is here to help! Our talented repair specialists on-staff at our Toms River shop bring with them over two decades of hands on experience repairing all types of wind and string instruments. From dents and scratches to internal damage that is keeping your instrument from performing, we have the right tools and the know-how to deliver high-quality, lasting repairs.

David Estey

Jun 22, 2022

Report

Friendly caring service, had exactly what I needed and helped me with a referral. Brick and Mortar at its best!

Don Giannico

Mar 13, 2022

Report

Great Experience I had a terrific experience at Garden State Music purchasing a guitar. The Associate Lisa was cordial and informative and the atmosphere in the store was very pleasant. Zach was very polite and helpful too. A healthy array of instruments and accessories and I found an instrument that fits my taste more than when I traveled far to Guitar Center and Sam Ash. There were a couple of guitar set up issues which they courteously and professionally attended to also. I highly endorse this music store.

Mark Fisher

May 04, 2021

Report

Dropped off my trumpet for a deep clean and got it back in mint condition. I could tell from the first lick my sound was better. While I am at fault for letting 10+ years ago without getting treatment done, GSMC did a great job getting it back in shape! Thanks all!

Michael Antoniotti

Jan 31, 2021

Report

The team here is professional and responsive to my guitar needs.which never ends. The key word is trust. You can trust them with all your fine guitars and get pro results.

Blu Xo

Jun 15, 2020

Report

This place is the real deal. Only place you should ever buy an instrument from! They are reliable and have a great relationship with every customer. You can get any instrument, even rent them, and they do lessons for every instrument even vocal lessons! Everyone there is so professional, down to earth, and skilled in their profession! Also Don is a great vocal coach! This place is great, you gotta check it out!

Steve Fenton

Jan 18, 2020

Report

All I want to say is that my stepson took guitar lessons with the owner of Garden State Music, Bill Merritt, and he was fantastic. Bill always went above and beyond for him, changing his strings, repairing his guitar and supplying him with everything he needed at no cost. When my stepson showed up for lessons without a guitar strap, Bill grabbed a brand new one off the wall and told us not to worry about it.

Throughout our time there, Bill also supplied him with brand new books, picks, and other accessories. Bill is a great musician and a generous man. Everyone should go support his business!

Mark

Dec 25, 2019

Report

Knowledgeable staff. Allowed to play the guitar and mike it up. Prices are in the right ballpark. The same guitar we purchased was $20 less at Guitar center but it'd cost me $5-$10 in gasoline alone to travel so, it was worth purchasing here. I recommend them to you

Gregory Harris

May 22, 2018

Report

Absolutely fantastic guitar set up! Half the price of other places and the fastest turn around time I've seen. Dropped it off Thursday and got a call Friday morning that it was ready to be picked up. Guitar plays like butter now. Truly great work!